I Need Help

In 2009, 14 women in Massachusetts were killed in an intimate relationship. In one 24-hour period in 2009, 2,018 victims were served by domestic violence programs in the state. The numbers don’t lie: domestic violence is a deadly problem that’s not going away. That’s why we’re here for you, 24 hours a day, every day, with our domestic violence hotline numbers. So you can get the help you and your children need, when you need it most, to move from being victims to survivors.

About Our Agency

Your YWCA is leading the changes that improve women’s lives

Think you know the YWCA?

We might surprise you with our range of services and inspire you with the depth of our commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women.We’ve helped meet the needs of Western Massachusetts for over 140 years. Today, we’re leading the change in the way our community responds to domestic violence and in the resources available to victims of discrimination. And more than ever, we’re changing women’s lives by helping them reach their fullest potential.

I know someone who is being hurt

How to help someone in an abusive relationship

You may be contacted directly by a friend or relative in an abusive relationship. Or you may just notice things in a relationship that disturb you. Either way, you can do more to help the victim if you're prepared to take action.

First, you offer support. The abuse may make your friend feel isolated. She needs to know you support her and will stand by her, no matter what she decides to do about her relationship. While you should show your support, try not to tie it to ultimatums or talk negatively about her abuser. Ask her what she needs and offer your resources.

If you have more questions or concerns, you should call the YWCA domestic violence hotline at 413-733-7100. You can even discuss your distress over your friend's situation.

Practical steps you can take:

Educate yourself on the warning signs of domestic violence Forms of Abuse, Red Flags of Abuse

Learn about safety planning so you can help your friend prepare a safety plan

Escort her to the hospital or to meet the police. Offer to document her injuries with a photo

How to help someone who's been sexually assaulted

Victims of sexual assault may feel more isolated than victims of domestic violence. If you know or think a friend or relative has been sexually assaulted, call the YWCA hotline at 413-733-7100 to discuss your options with a trained counselor.

You should listen and offer your friend your support and the resources she might need. Your support can include:

Calling 9-1-1 in an emergency

Accompanying her to the emergency room for medical attention

Accompanying her to the police station or to court to pursue prosecution of her abuser

Helping her change her environment to feel safer

Reinforcing the message that the assault was not her fault and that her feelings about it are natural

Respecting her decision, even if she decides not to do anything in the present